Baby Dorrit's Rockin' Christmas 2011

Yeah, I know it's late, but if you find someone else who gives you free music, let me know. This is my annual Christmas podcast. I love Christmas, and so it follows that I also love Christmas music. I'm sure you've heard some of these before, but there are a few new ones this year. You'll find songs by The Smithereens, The Newsboys, Al Hirt, Dave Edmnunds, Relient K, the Beach Boys and more! If you don't know one of the songs, ask me; I'll be glad to let you know who it is.

God bless us everyone, and have a completely bitchin Christmas!!

Hey, Wake Up and Look Around: It's Fall!
December, 2011

Better late than never. And it IS still fall. I'm just not ready to start listening to Christmas music all the time yet, plus that podcast isn't even close to ready.

Fall is my very favorite season. I love almost everything about it. The leaves change color, the days are cooler, and the sky in the late afternoon/early evening is gorgeous here in NY. I don't think of fall as depressing or being about things dying. To me, it symbolizes the necessary phases we all need to go through if we want to progress and change. Fall is your chance to make any changes you want to make before the year ends. It's a good thing. (And you can spend time snugging with your girl.)

But invariably I always miss fall, as I'm just too caught up in my so-called-real "life" to take the time to actually notice the season. So I'm trying again to help everyone remember to look around and appreciate the beauty of autumn. These podcasts consist entirely of songs that, for whatever reason, generally never fail to make me happy. (Although they're not all necessarily "happy" songs.) You remember how to be happy, don't you? You just put your lips together and blow—wait a minute, that's how to whistle. Although I'm sure the "blow" part could inspire a lot of happiness, if you know what I mean, and I think you do. . .

1. Strutter - Kiss
I think this is my very favorite Kiss song.

2. Don't Ever Change - The Beatles
This is live, and a cover song, but I like it. For my girl #1.

3. I'll Keep Holding On - The Marvelettes
The Detroit Cobras covered this song, and although I love them, I like this version better.

4. Two Can Have a Party (Stereo) - Tammi Terrell
Better than the version with Marvin Gaye; trust me.

5. Happy House - Siouxsee and the Banshees
I miss the 80s.

6. Love You Like a Love Song (Dave Aude Radio Edit) - Selena Gomez
I don't care if it's Selena Gomez, I LOVE this song. For my girl #2.

7. You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) - Jessica Simpson
The only good song Jessica Simpson ever did. After seeing what a freak Pete Burns has turned himself into, often I find it hard to listen to the original anymore. Because then I see him in my head. (Worse than seeing Jocelyn Wildenstein in your head. Or at least the same...)

8. Girls on Top - Girlschool

9. Lord, If You're a Woman - Darlene Love
SUCH a great song.

10. Third Finger, Left Hand - Martha and the Vandellas
One of their underrated songs; I'm guessing it was a "B" side or album filler. Love the instrumental hook.

11. Closer to the Flame - Dave Edmunds
One of the few "newer" Dave Edmunds songs that I like. For my girl #3

12. Never Let Her Slip Away - Andrew Gold
I'd like it more without the retarded sax solo. (PS: don't make fun of the dead.)

13. Poor Boy - Split Enz
If I do ever get the chance to make a music video, it's going to be this song. I've had it storyboarded in my head since 1984.

14. Saba Lou - King Khan and the Shrines

15. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones
One of the best guitar intros EVER.

16. Can't Get Enough of Your Love - The Group
I can't get enough of this song; it's great. It's from a CD series called "Lost Jukebox," and features one-hit (if you can even call these hits) bands that you probably never heard of. I've even only heard of a couple of them. From 1966, and for my girl #4.

17. May I Take a Giant Step - 1910 Fruitgum Company
"Hey, whats one of the stupidest things we can name the band? Remember, 'Moby Grape' and 'The Chocolate Watchband' are already taken."

18. Endlessly - Muse

19. I Don't Want To Be Your Mother - Rachael Yamagata
My favorite song from her new album; it's just so pretty. Plus I like it because it reminds me that a good relationship needs to be two way. (That flower and gardener stuff just isn't true; at least it can't be that way for more than short periods of time.) Don't stop doing all the sweet little things you did at the beginning and don't ever stop paying attention to each other. I don't care what's going on in your workaday life, just don't do it. This song reminds me that you should always think you're lucky to be with the person you love — so act that way. (At least most of the time - nobody's perfect.)

20. Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You) - Nilsson
From "A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night," one of my fave albums of all time. For my girl #4.

21. Just Do That - Jordan Zevon

22. Diamonds in Her Eyes - Pajama Club
If you couldn't tell from the sound, it's another Finn Brothers band. For my girl #5

23. Be With Me - Rob Smith
For my girl #6

Life on the Chain Gang: Labor Day 2011

Yes, I DO know that Labor Day is actually about unions. But I am not a fan of unions. I never have been, really, but now that I've been forced to be a member of a stupid union, I really hate them. I have to pay dues for nothing, and they're stealing from me by basing my health care percentage deduction on my freakin salary. Hey union losers - I will not be penalized for being successful! Bite me you useless socialist fuckers.

So instead, these are all songs about work. And money. I think going to a job everyday should have a holiday of its own, so I'm making it Labor Day.

1. Pink Cadillac - Natalie Cole
2. Ju Ju Hand - Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs
I almost like this song more than "Wooly Bully."
3. Where the Action Is - Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon
Better than the Paul Revere and the Raiders version, if for no other reason than they mess up the lyircs.
4. Ramblin' Gamblin' Man - Bob Seger System
People forget that he was actually good before he started doing all that "Night Moves" kind of crap.
5. Under My Wheels - Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper changed my life. Period.
6. The Locomotion - Grand Funk Railroad
As someone who was really too young to have paid a lot of attention to the original "Locomotion," this one has more of a place in my heart.
7. California Sun - The Rivieras
This was always the first song every single band I knew in the 80s learned how to play together. Every single one.
8. Roll Over Beethoven - Chuck Berry
9. For Pete's Sake - The Monkees
10. Knock on Wood - Eddie Floyd
One of my favorite "soul" songs from this period.
11. Stop In the Name of Love - Ian Lloyd
This is the only cover version of this song I've ever heard that I like; it's great.
12. When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes - The Supremes
I think this is an often overlooked really good Supremes song.
13. Mama's Pearl - The Jackson Five
14. Try A Little Tenderness - Glee Cast
I'm kind of over Glee, but this version is great.
15. Atomic - Blondie
Love this.
16. Nut Rocker - B. Bumble & The Stingers
17. Stupid Cupid - Connie Francis
One of my fave Connie Francis songs - I like this better than "Lipstick on Your Collar."
18. Volare - The Swinging Madisions
One of my absolute favorite bands from the 80s.
19. Can't Touch the Love Shack - B52s vs. MC Hammer
I don't think there's anything more American than a mashup of "Can't Touch This" and "Love Shack."
20. Dance Dance Dance - The Beach Boys
Fabulous song.
21. The Monkey's Uncle - Annette & The Beach Boys
I am absolutely NOT embarassed to love this song.
22. For You - Ricky Nelson
Apparently in the early 60s when they needed more material, they had people like Ricky Nelson cover standards - but try to make them rock n' roll. Not a very good plan...
23. Here I Go Again - The Spongetones
24. I Woke Up In Love This Morning - Stratocruiser
My favorite cover of the Partridge Family song.

It's My Girlfriend's Birthday! 2011

Happy Birthday, baby.

Suck It England! 2011

There isn't that much I can say about this that isn't obvious: these are all songs by Americans. And like DorritDay's "Scream for Your Favorites," there are a lot of songs you can do the jerk to. And the pony. And other dances I can't remember the names of. Happy Independence Day, and Suck it, England!

1. Pink Cadillac - Natalie Cole
2. Ju Ju Hand - Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs
I almost like this song more than "Wooly Bully."
3. Where the Action Is - Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon
Better than the Paul Revere and the Raiders version, if for no other reason than they mess up the lyircs.
4. Ramblin' Gamblin' Man - Bob Seger System
People forget that he was actually good before he started doing all that "Night Moves" kind of crap.
5. Under My Wheels - Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper changed my life. Period.
6. The Locomotion - Grand Funk Railroad
As someone who was really too young to have paid a lot of attention to the original "Locomotion," this one has more of a place in my heart.
7. California Sun - The Rivieras
This was always the first song every single band I knew in the 80s learned how to play together. Every single one.
8. Roll Over Beethoven - Chuck Berry
9. For Pete's Sake - The Monkees
10. Knock on Wood - Eddie Floyd
One of my favorite "soul" songs from this period.
11. Stop In the Name of Love - Ian Lloyd
This is the only cover version of this song I've ever heard that I like; it's great.
12. When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes - The Supremes
I think this is an often overlooked really good Supremes song.
13. Mama's Pearl - The Jackson Five
14. Try A Little Tenderness - Glee Cast
I'm kind of over Glee, but this version is great.
15. Atomic - Blondie
Love this. 16. Nut Rocker - B. Bumble & The Stingers
17. Stupid Cupid - Connie Francis
One of my fave Connie Francis songs - I like this better than "Lipstick on Your Collar."
18. Volare - The Swinging Madisions
One of my absolute favorite bands from the 80s.
19. Can't Touch the Love Shack - B52s vs. MC Hammer
I don't think there's anything more American than a mashup of "Can't Touch This" and "Love Shack."
20. Dance Dance Dance - The Beach Boys
Fabulous song.
21. The Monkey's Uncle - Annette & The Beach Boys
I am absolutely NOT embarassed to love this song.
22. For You - Ricky Nelson
Apparently in the early 60s when they needed more material, they had people like Ricky Nelson cover standards - but try to make them rock n' roll. Not a very good plan...
23. Here I Go Again - The Spongetones
24. I Woke Up In Love This Morning - Stratocruiser
My favorite cover of the Partridge Family song.

Scream For Your Favorites
DorritDay 2011

Well, here it is again: DorritDay, the best day of the year except for Christmas. And since it IS really favorites, that means a great majority of the songs are older. I could figure out the exact percentage, but I have to do that crap all the time at work, so I'm not. Let's just say there are a lot of songs you can do the jerk to. And the pony. (Not me, as if I tried to do the Pony now I think I would immediately have a coronary.) This is completely bitchin!

1. Because I'm AWESOME - The Dollyrots
I love this band, and this is going to be my theme song for this birth year. (Not that it hasn't been for previous birth years...)

2. Hell Raiser - Def Leppard

3. Obsession - Sky Ferreira
She really isn't very good, but this is a great song.

4. Heartbeat, It's a Lovebeat - The DeFranco Family
And where do you suppose they are today?

5. Words of Love - The Mamas and the Papas
Yeah, thanks for nothin', Michelle.

6. I Found You - The British Walkers

7. Hey Baby - Bruce Channel
For my girl #1.

8. The In Crowd - Dobie Gray
Loved this even as a kid. (Because, of course, I was in the in crowd.)

9. Jet Boy - The New York Dolls
The Dolls' first album is still one of my faves.

10. Tiger Feet - Girlschool
Generally I don't like a lot of GLAM covers, but this one is good.

11. Telegram Sam - T-Rex
Everytime I hear a T-Rex song I say "I have to start wearing a top hat."

12. Hanky Panky - Joan Jett
Joan Jett's cover songs were always better than her original material.

13. Three's a Crowd - Morningwood

14.More, More, More - Babes in Toyland
The toy piano is absolute genius.

15. Chain of Fools - Aretha Franklin
One of the songs that really made me want to play the bass.

16. You Can't Do That [Mono] - The Beatles
John does sound a little crazy in this, but I do agree with him. Trust me, having an ex still chasing after your girlfriend is COMPLETELY annoying! (Yeah, you just want to "be friends" my ASS...) Personally, I think you should be able to have them arrested and/or deported.

17. Where Were You Last Night? - The Spongetones
I love the harmonies on this.

18. Whispering [Album Version] - Nino Tempo & April Stevens

19. Between Us - Teenage Fanclub
For my girl #2

20. I Confess - k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang
I gotta say, I'm a little jealous of k.d. lang's girlfriend getting a song like this written for her. For my girl #3.

21. You're the First, the Last, My Everything - Nancy Wallace
Love the iconic Barry White one, but I think this version is great too. For my girl #4.

22. When I Fall in Love - Rick Astley
I'm sure most people wouldn't agree with me, but I'd pick this over Nat King Cole's version.

23. Beyond the Blue Horizon - Lou Christie
One of my favorite songs, ever.

Big Homo Dance Party
DorritDay 2011

It's good, trust me. I will say that the first song is the same as last year. It just fit with the spoken opening so well, and I don't believe in messing with perfection. (And like anyone except me listens to that mix all year...) Other than that, it's all different. I still don't like a couple of the transitions, but I didn't care enough to do them over. (Again, if you have complaints, make your own damn podcasts.)

1.You Keep Me Hangin' On (DJBCP Mix of The Almighty Edit and the Almighty Mix) - The Supremes
2. What a Feeling (Unover Remix) - Kelly Rowland
3. Love Comes (Main Version) - Bananarama
4. Deeper Love - Eddie Thoneick
5. Say That U Love Me (Rafael Lelis Chumbo Edit) - Leo Granieri
6. San Francisco is My Disco (Wideboys Radio Edit) - Laura LaRue
7. Tonight (I'm Fucking You) - Enrique Iglesias
8. Maneater (Glam as You Mix by Guena LG) - Nelly Furtado
9. Absolutely Not (Chanel Club Mix DJ Baby Cheese Pie Edit) - Deborah Cox
10. Megamix - The Village People
11. Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You (DJ Amanda Mix) - Jimmy Sommerville
12. Chain Reaction (Niclas Kings Radio Mix) - Daniela
13. International Think (Nu-Nrg 12" Mix) - Dead or Alive
14. High Energy - Evelyn Thomas
15. This Time I Know It's For Real (12" Single Extended Remix) - Donna Summer

I'm in Miami, Bitch!
April 2011

I was looking forward to this when I first heard about it, and now I'm kinda not. (Especialy because it sounds like I'm really not going to have much free time or be able to see much of Miami.) But it will be fun to see the people in our Miami office who I really like, and I'm not going to be saying much at this one, so at least I won't get myself into trouble that way! Oh, and I didn't actually put "I'm in Miami, Bitch" in here because other than the title I don't like the song much.

1. First - Lindsay Lohan
I'm not embarrassed to like this, because it's just a great song. Why are my annoying ex girlfriends apparently the only ones who go away for good like they're supposed to?
2. When I Grow Up - Mayday Parade
Such an excellent cover of the Pussycat Dolls song. (Which I also love.)
3. Three's a Crowd - Morningwood
Great, great, great song. I love this band but don't really know much about them. Except that they're from NYC.
4. Selfish - Britney
Unlike many people, I kind of like "Femme Fatale." At least the bonus tracks.
5. Tu - Los Bunkers
6. This Beat Goes On - The Kings
Good band from the 80s, and no I don't know what ever happened to them.
7. Bad Karma - Ida Marie
I've never heard anything by her that I've liked and have never understood her appeal to the hipsters. (Except of course that slacker hipsters are idiots, so...). BUT I heard this on the Scream 4 soundtrack and liked it. Was surprised when I saw it was by Ida Marie.
8. Un Golpe a la Vez - Mole
9. So Uncool - Lucy Walsh
No relation.
10. Stone Rollin' - Raphael Saadiq
I absolutely love this record - one of my favorites so far this year. (And to quote Jack Donaghy, the cover is aces!)
11. Automatically Sunshine - The Supremes
The bass line on this is great, and the music is interesting. But overall this song is here for camp appeal. Think there can't be a bad Supremes song? Think again...
12. Chi Tú (Prof. Gomez Remiz) - Da'Zoo
13. Ay Chico in Miami (DJ Digital Dave) - Miami Sound Machine vs. Pitbull
The only reason I didn't just go for 12" mixes of Miami Sound Machine songs is because, suprisingly, I don't have any. And this is a little more current/happening anyway.
14. Miami (7th Heaven Club Mix) - Fish & Chips
15. Some Kind of Wonderful - The Inmates
The songs I liked best by The Inmates are all cover songs. Their version of "Dirty Water" is still one of my favorites.
16. Grown Woman - Kelly Rowland
17. Dying Day - Brandi Carlile
I liked her second record much better than the first.
18. I Got You Babe - Cherie Currie
19. When I Get Home - The Beatles
One of my fave Beatles' songs.
20. Reminiscing - kd lang
Excellent cover song (this album is really good), and for my girl.
21. This Girl's In Love With You - Dusty Springfield
It's so queer (and not in the good way) that she had to change this to this girl's in love with you, because one of the main rhymes is based on "guy." Good version though. Ditto the above.

Daytrip to Charm City
March 2011

Who knew we'd all be headed to Baltimore to do our conference management debrief there? Should be fun though, although I still doubt that I'll be allowed to conduct another version of my Service Puppet Workshop...

1. 21st Century Girl - Willow Smith
I'm hoping I don't like her next release. because me liking her is getting embarassing.
2. Bitch - The Plasticines
3. Message of Love - Saliva
I like the original—especially when Chrissie yells out "like...Bridget Bardot!"—but this cover is good too.
4. Don't You Want Me - Atomic Tom
This is from the soundtrack of that new (horrible) 80s film. I guess they couldn't afford the Human League version.
5. Bossa Nova Baby - Elvis
6. Hold Me - PJ Proby
LOVE this song.
7. 100 Yard Dash - Raphael Saadiq
I'm not as enamored of him as the hipsters are, as I'd just as soon listen to original soul songs from the 60s. But he's okay.
8. I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) - The Four Tops
9. Hold On - Sam and Dave
MUCH better than "Soul Man."
10. Hoping and Praying - The School
11. You're My World - Cilla Black
Oy - THE DRAMA! The 60s were great for that. I just realized after listening to this that Cilla Black really wasn't that great of a singer.
12. Be My Baby - Vanessa Paradis
I've always loved this song from the (non legally) Mrs. Johnny Depp.
13. Gambling Man (Club Junkies Club Mix; Edit) - The Overtones
14. Tonight (Dave Aude Mash-Up) - Enrique vs. Luciana
Definitely for my girl.
15. Who's My Bitch? - The Paradiso Girls
The use of the melody of "Habanera" from Bizet's "Carmen" is completely brilliant.
16. Superstar - Maria Sanchez
17. After the Event - The Pet Shop Boys
You know why I love this song? It's not just because the melody is really pretty. It's because it reminds me not to get caught up in everyday petty bullshit, especially when it comes to the people you love. Because, like it or not, they could walk out the door and you might never see them again. (This is about the London subway bombings that happened in July, 2005.) So don't waste time and don't be a jackass.
18. I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend - Per Gessle
19. Dreams Are Not My Home - Roseanne Cash
20. (Til) I Kissed You - The Everly Brothers
Unbelievably romantic, and also for my girl.
21. If I Didn't Care - David Cassidy
SHUT UP. I still love him.
22. The Man I Love - Kate Bush
My absolute favorite version of this song. It's just great.
23. Shadaroba - Roy Orbison
Surprisingly, I don't think most people know this song, which is a shame.
24. I Touch Myself - Saucy Monky
It's not a typo, that's how they spell their name.
23. I Said Never Again (But Here We Are) - Rachel Stevens

My Bloody Valentine - 2011
January 2011

With the exception of #1 (I just really like that, and it was very tough to choose between it and the Soho Dolls "Hey Stripper"...) these are all for my girl.

1. Wear My Kiss (Jade Ewen Mix) - The Sugababes
2. Believer - Rogue Traders
Loved this song for years and no, I don't know what ever happened to them.
3. I'm Ready for Love - Martha and the Vandellas
4. When She's Near - The Fiction Family
A very pretty song.
5. My Cherie Amour - Stevie Wonder
Still one of my favorite love songs.
6. Back in My Arms Again - The Supremes
7. Baby, It's You - Smith
There are that many covers done in the 70s that I like better than the 60s original, but THIS is one of them. Just a kickass version of this song, and the one I'm really more familiar with.
8. My Life Would Suck Without You - Kelly Clarkson
And it would.
9. Changed Forever - Tobymac ft. Nirva Ready
10. Breathless (Single Mix) - X
I was never a fan of X, but their verison of this song is just great.
11. All of You - Sammy Davis Jr.
From my most excellent two-cd set of songs by the Rat Pack.
12. I Get Weak - Jordan McCoy
13. You're the One - Petula Clark
No explanation necessary...
14. All My Loving (Mono) - The Beatles
15. Sticky Sweet - Erin McCarley
Every time I hear this I think it's Tracy Bonham.
16. My Heart Stood Still - The Mamas and The Papas
John Phillips might have been a HUGE perv, but man, could he arrange songs like nobody's business. Also just a very pretty song.
17. Turn Around, Look at Me - The Bee Gees
18. Gorgeous - Idina Menzel
19. Chances Are - Johnny Mathis
Unbelievably romantic.
20. Somewhere - Rick Astley
One of the few broadway show songs that I like a lot. This version is terrific.
21. Someone To Watch Over Me - Frank Sinatra
I love the Brian Wilson version, but this one is pretty great too.
22. Let's Be In Love - The Dollyrots
So, how about it Babe?